The Chemotherapy Survival Guide

by McKay, Judith

• ISBN13: 9781572246218
• ISBN10: 1572246219
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-05-01
• Publisher: New Harbinger Pubns Inc

Summary

When you're facing cancer treatment, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and alone. Between the hospital or clinic environment and the medical terminology used by doctors and health care professionals, you may feel as though you've entered a foreign country. Written by two experienced oncology nurses, this compassionate and comprehensive guide explains in plain English everything you need to know about your treatment, including what you can expect at each stage of chemotherapy and what you can do to prevent or minimize side effects. Packed with practical suggestions, nutritional advice, relaxation skills, and other techniques to help strengthen your body and calm your mind, The Chemotherapy Survival Guide is a must-have resource for anyone navigating this difficult time.

Author Biography

Judith McKay, RN, OCN, has been an oncology nurse involved in patient education for more than twenty-five years. She works at the Alta Bates Summit Comprehensive Cancer Center in Berkeley, CA. McKay is coauthor of When Anger Hurts and contributed to Self-Esteem. Tamera Schacher, RN, OCN, MSN, is an oncology-certified nurse and a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She works at the Alta Bates Summit Comprehensive Cancer Center in Berkeley, CA.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. ix
Introduction	p. 1
Cancer-Fighting Treatments
What This Book Offers
What This Book Can't Do
What Is Chemotherapy?	p. 7
A Primer on Cell Life
Characteristics of Cancer Cells
Diagnosis
Treatment Choices
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
In Conclusion
Understanding Your Treatment Plan	p. 19
Foundations of the Treatment Plan
Deciding on the Treatment Plan
Clinical Trials
How Will You Know if the Treatment Plan Is Working?
Treatment Plans Can Change
In Conclusion
Understanding Blood Tests	p. 31
Why Test Your Blood?
Bone Marrow: The Blood-Cell Factory
Red Blood Cells
White Blood Cells
Infections
Platelets
Plasma
Looking At Your Lab Results
Tumor Markers
Communicating with Other Health Care Professionals
In Conclusion
The IV Experience	p. 49
The Basics About Veins
Getting Your IV Started
Bags, Bottles, Tubing, and Pumps
Staying Comfortable During Chemotherapy
How Do You Cope?
IV Problems
Venous Access Devices
Watching Out for Problems
Which One Is Right for You?
In Conclusion
Preventing Nausea	p. 69
What Causes Nausea?
Nausea and Chemotherapy
Types of Antinausea Medicines and How They Work
Patterns of Nausea
The Importance of Fluids
Step-by-Step Hints
In Conclusion
Coping with Other Digestion Changes	p. 87
Your Digestive System
Mouth and Throat Problems
Appetite Problems
Heartburn
Diarrhea
Constipation
In Conclusion
Maintaining Good Nutrition By Tinrin Chew, RD, CSO	p. 103
Getting Ready
Weight Gain and Weight Loss
Chemo Cycles
Recommendations for Digestive Difficulties
About the Author
Coping with Fatigue	p. 125
Why Does Fatigue Happen?
When Does Fatigue Happen?
How Your Doctor Can Help
Things You Can Do
In Conclusion
Coping with Hair Loss and Skin Changes	p. 139
Hair
How to Cope with Thinning Hair
Skin and Nails
In Conclusion
Coping with Nervous-System Changes	p. 153
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy and Constipation
Peripheral Neuropathy and Hearing Loss
Chemo Brain
In Conclusion
Sexuality	p. 171
Changes in Sensation
Changes in Hormones
Getting Information
Things That Can Help Men
Things That Can Help Women
Changes in Body Image
Resuming Sexual Activity
Birth Control During Treatment
In Conclusion
Fertility	p. 183
Get Information
Fertility: The Basics
Reproductive Effects of Treatment for Men
Reproductive Options for Men Before or During Treatment
Reproductive Effects of Treatment for Women
Reproductive Options for Women Before or During Treatment
Evaluating Your Fertility After Treatment
Reproductive Options After Treatment
Costs
In Conclusion
Mind and Body	p. 199
The Emotional Impact of Cancer
Mind and Body: What's the Connection?
Help Along the Way
Finding Your Own Path
Suggested Reading
Relaxation and Stress Reduction	p. 215
Deep Breathing
Breathing and Imagery
Other Relaxation Imagery
Mindfulness
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Affirmations
In Conclusion
Preparing to Start Chemo: A Practical Guide	p. 231
Before You Start Chemo
During Your Chemo Treatment
After Your Chemo Treatment
In Conclusion
Life After Cancer Treatments: Being a Survivor	p. 243
Physical Changes
Emotional Issues
Getting Back to Normal
In Conclusion
Index	p. 257
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